Daily Inspiration: Meet Jade Duong

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade Duong.

Hi Jade, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! My name is Jade Duong and I am a 25 year old actress based in LA. It actually took me a while to confidently call myself an actress- especially when online, there is a certain aesthetic and expectation of what an “actress living in LA” is. I went to UC Riverside and double majored in Political Science and Theater. I am the daughter of Vietnam War refugees, and have three older siblings who are all medical professionals. After graduating in 2023, I got my start in professional theater, being blessed to play Kim in a regional production of Miss Saigon. Since then, I’ve experienced all the rites of passage every working actor understands. I found a half cute, half scary little apartment in Hollywood- and have been able to make a living doing exactly what I love. My days are spent working on set or on projects, and no matter how big or small the gig is, I am extremely happy and content that the money I am making is funding my independence. I am currently set to play Kim again next year, except in a regional theater in Rochester, New York and working along side Broadway professionals. And until then, I’m still trying to make sure most of my days lived in the present is doing what I love.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In an educational setting, like college, the world was truly my oyster. Race and age never played a part in whether or not I could be considered for a role- however, once I started working, I realized exactly what boxes I was put into. And despite keeping true to who I am as a person, in this industry as a woman of color, I unfortunately have to learn how to work with what I got in my box. I’m being told left and right I’m too short for this, I’m too young for that- and of course, it has been heartbreaking to see just how much my race matters in casting. I’m finding that I normally only book roles that require the character to be Asian. I was just told by an agent the other month that I tried too hard to look my age. I cannot say that I figured it out, but it’s not something I’m going to be shot down by. I’m proud to represent these Asian roles, and when I play them I have these characters be nuanced and real. But I’m going to keep fighting to be seen outside of my box.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m proud of the fact that I am a working actor. I’m proud that I love what I do so much that I’m constantly surrounded by my craft. My part time “day job” is an entertainer at Disneyland. Thank goodness I love what I do because it’s quite literally, all I do. And this might be weird to say but I’m proud that even though I’m not “famous” , I’m an example that anyone can be a working actor. If most your days are spent auditioning and working, you are a working actor!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I just find that being yourself when you can helps you attract the best people. I fear that the online consensus of LA and this industry is that everyone is “fake” – I heavily disagree. I mentioned before that everyone, especially actors of color, will be put in a box and be tasked how to work with it. But I find that in the moments on set where you’re just talking to your peers, truly be yourself. I have met so many wonderful close friends through chatting on set, or going to parties of friends I’ve met on set. Be eager to learn from other people, and be eager to share with people. This industry is hard enough, we don’t have to be competition to each other 24/7.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaddeduong/

Image Credits
Sophie Sogomian, Jesse Dinkel, Ren Tsukamoto, Kimberly Guerrero